Falling

 

When I was a toddler  

And a rather cute one at that  

I tried to walk across the hall 

But fell flat on the mat 

I cried and a wailed 

But it was to no avail 

My father just watched me 

Like this was a test I couldn't afford to fail 

Not knowing what else to do, I picked myself up 

For I had realized that crying was in vain  

I also knew that my father had something to prove 

That there was some knowledge I should gain  

When I was five years old 

And considered myself to be quite big 

I rode a cycle without the support wheels  

And crashed straight into a fig   

I cried but a little  

For I was more shocked than hurt  

Before long I had picked myself up 

And brushed off all the dirt  

I went back like nothing happened  

And continued to ride 

When I told this to my father  

He practically glowed with pride  

This happened time and again  

But I never understood  

I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel  

Try as I would  

My father never explained his actions 

He was never was one for speeches  

But as I started to mature  

I learnt what only experience teaches  

No matter how often you fall 

Or much the fall hurt  

You should always be able to pick yourself up 

And brush off your dirt  

Failure and success are part of life  

They are what makes life worth it 

The important thing isn't not falling

It's picking yourself up bit-by-bit